5 Best Charlotte, North Carolina Waterfront Restaurants
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Charlotte offers a variety of water activities around and about Lake Norman. As the largest man-made lake in North Carolina, Lake Norman boasts 500 miles of shoreline and ample opportunities for boating activities, including dock ‘n’ dining experiences.
Pro tip: Dock ‘n’ dine is exactly as it sounds: Docking your boat at a restaurant for good food and/or specialty drink (dining), and amazing water views! Search boat rentals and start planning a dock ‘n’ dine experience.
Experience a unique mix of southern flavors, international cuisine, and a budding craft beer culture when you cruise into a slip at any of these five incredible Charlotte, North Carolina restaurants on the water:
Dock ‘n’ dine in Charlotte, NC—Only at Boatsetter
1. Hello, Sailor
Located next to the Holiday Marina, Hello, Sailor is a vibrant restaurant that offers stunning waterfront views and a menu decorated with southern flavor. Specializing in fresh fish and fried favorites, it’s no wonder visitors almost always start with an order of hush puppies, served with jimmy red corn and honey butter.
The Seared Cauliflower Steak has pleasantly surprised many diners, between the portion size and delicious almond romesco, fried egg, and manchego adoring the entrée. Similarly, the Popcorn shrimp Basket and Citrus Crab Louie salad are among top recommendations.
- Address: 20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
- Hours: Wed – Sun 11am – 9 pm
- Reservations: Available
- Type of food: Southern Slant on Fresh Fish and Fried Food
- Dockage available: Yes
2. North Harbor Club
North Harbor Club provides an upscale, regatta-themed dining experience for boaters. Whether you dine in the cozy interior, surrounded by dark wood furnishing and twinkle lights, or kick back on the expansive outdoor patio with panoramic views of Lake Norman, the North Harbor Club is a must-visit waterfront restaurant near Charlotte, North Carolina.
We recommend starting with the Asparagus Fries or Lobster Mac-n-Cheese Skillet. For the main course, visitors rave about the Seared Crab Cakes, served with creamed corn and sautéed spinach. If you like a fusion of land and sea, then the Beef & Reef entrée is perfect for you: a grilled beef rib-eye served with your choice of crab cake or shrimp scampi.
Pro tip: North Harbor Club is also a locally-loved brunch spot. So, stop in for a sweet and savory morning during your visit!
- Address: 100 N Harbor Pl, Davidson, NC 28036
- Hours: Sun – Thu 11 am – 9 pm, Fri – Sat 11am – 9:30 pm
- Reservations: Available
- Type of food: New American Fine Dining
- Dockage available: Yes
3. Port City Club
High-back wicker chairs make it easy to kick back and relax on the patio at Port City Club. Take in sun-kissed views of Lake Norman while you sample a balanced menu of land and sea selections, bolstered by delicious cocktails, when you dock and dine at this Charlotte restaurant on the water.
To start, we recommend the Firecracker Calamari or the highly praised DB Clothesline Bacon, served with a maple pepper glaze. For the main course, the Lobster & Shrimp Roll served with lemon chive mayo is an all-day favorite, or stop in around dinnertime to try the Corn Meal Crusted Flounder.
- Address: 18665 Harborside Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031
- Hours: Tue – Thu 4 pm – 9 pm, Fri – Sat 11:30 am – 10 pm, Sun 11:30 am – 9 pm
- Reservations: Available
- Type of food: Steak, Seafood, and Cocktails
- Dockage available: Yes
4. The Blue Parrot Grill
Grab your furry friend and cruise into an afternoon of relaxation when you kick back at the Blue Parrot Grill. This relaxed, dog-friendly restaurant on the water in Charlotte is known for having unmatched Lake Norman views and a delicious menu of fresh seafood and “bar-bites” to boot!
The west-facing patio offers panoramic views of sunsets over Lake Norman, making the Tiki Bar a great spot to bask in the golden hour glow. Live music gives the restaurant and island ambiance, and locals love the quality service here. Cool off with a frozen cocktail and choose from a varied menu of surf and turf choices, served in hardy salads, burgers, and wraps.
- Address: 169 Pinnacle Ln, Mooresville, NC 28117
- Hours: Sun – Sat 11am – 8 pm
- Reservations: Not Available
- Type of food: Fresh Seafood and Bar Fare
- Dockage available: Yes
5. The Cabin
A few doors down from the North Harbor Club, boaters can find additional dockage at The Cabin, a hidden gem on Lake Norman. This waterfront pub offers an extensive list of cocktails, craft and domestic beers, and wine for every taste.
On any given day, you can enjoy a cozy and casual lakeside vibe with breathtaking views of Lake Norman. While the dining menu isn’t large, the Cabin is the perfect place to stop in, cool off, and grab a snack. We recommend checking their events calendar in advance to see if your visit falls on a night with live music or an iconic Cabin game night!
- Address: 400 N Harbor Pl Dr A, Davidson, NC 28036
- Hours: Sun – Thu 5 pm – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 5 pm – 12 am
- Reservations: Available
- Type of food: Cocktails, beer, and pub fare
- Dockage available: Yes
Carolinas’ boating roundup
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